He's also a dynamic runner. By rushing for 181 yards against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs (an NFL record for a quarterback), everyone knows he's a threat for big gains when he keeps the ball on read-option plays. But it's his scrambling that's even more dangerous.

In other words, Kaepernick will hurt defenses plenty on designed plays, but he'll do lots of other damage improvising.

With one of the most innovative offensive coaching staffs in the league, Kaepernick should be primed for another big season. The Niners may run the ball more frequently early in the season due to their current injury issues at wide receiver, but as more of his playmakers get healthy, Kaepernick should put up more impressive passing stats.

FB: Bruce Miller

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With injuries and question marks at wide receiver, it wouldn't be a surprise for the 49ers to lean on the running game early in the season.

I'm sure Bruce Miller won't mind.

The Central Florida product has solidified his role as the first-string fullback after two consecutive seasons opening holes for the San Francisco ground attack. He's also contributed in the passing game, totaling 23 receptions in 31 career games.

Don't expect Miller's role to change much from what it was last season. The 49ers might line up tight end Vance McDonald in the backfield at times, like they did with Delanie Walker, but when they need a short gain on third and fourth downs, Miller will more than likely be on the field.

TE: Vernon Davis

In San Francisco's past two playoff games, Davis combined for 11 receptions and 210 yards. Kaepernick is the best quarterback Davis has ever played with, so his stats should naturally spike by playing with the third-year quarterback for a full season.

But that doesn't factor in the Niners' wide receiver issues.

With Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham out indefinitely, Davis and Anquan Boldin should be heavily targeted.

Expect the 29-year-old tight end to top his career high of 965 receiving yards in a single season.

WR2: Kyle Williams

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The team's official depth chart lists Kyle Williams as the No. 2 wide receiver. The question is, will he be healthy enough to fulfill that role?

According to David Fucillo of Niners Nation, Williams has been dealing with a hamstring injury that's kept him out of San Francisco's preseason games. He's also attempting to bounce back from a torn ACL he suffered in November of last season.

When healthy, Williams fits best as the team's slot receiver. Primarily filling that role in 2011, Williams ranked 41st in Pro Football Focus' wide receiver rankings (subscription required). Last year, he had two catches for 60 yards in his only full game with Kaepernick as the starting quarterback.

Expect Williams to be ready for Week 1 and make contributions as a slot receiver throughout the season.

C: Jonathan Goodwin

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As Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle put it, Jonathan Goodwin "is the composed one on the offensive line; he keeps emotional linemates Joe Staley, Alex Boone and Anthony Davis from melting down and drawing penalties."

Goodwin has been steady since his first game as a Niner in 2011, but he's also the oldest and most expendable starter on the line.

The 34-year-old, who is in his contract year, will likely play the majority of the snaps at center this season, but backup Daniel Kilgore figures to take the reins starting next season.

NT: Ian Williams

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio announced that Ian Williams is the starting nose tackle, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.

Williams will play a vital role on obvious running downs, but don't be surprised if he doesn't see the field that often.

Last year, starting nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga played in only 31.4 percent of San Francisco's defensive snaps, per Maiocco. The 49ers may say their base defense is a 3-4, but in reality they play more 4-2-5 nickel. In the nickel defense, Williams will rarely, if ever, be on the field.

Expect Williams to fit in just fine at nose tackle. Playing alongside the most talented front seven in football can't hurt.

LOLB: Ahmad Brooks

According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Vic Fangio is confident Ahmad Brooks will not be suspended for an altercation he had with teammate Lamar Divens on June 8.

Though Brooks isn't the most important player on the team, the 49ers would be grateful to have him during their early season gauntlet.

Brooks ranked fifth in PFF's 3-4 outside linebacker score last season (subscription required). He's a decent pass-rusher, but his best skill is defending the run, which makes him a perfect complement to rookie Lemonier.

The third-round pick out of Auburn has eight quarterback hurries and one sack in the preseason. He could occasionally spell Brooks on obvious passing downs.

Brooks may not have as big of a role as he did last season, but he still should pick up a few sacks in 2013.

ILB: Patrick Willis

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As great as Bowman is, he wasn't quite on Patrick Willis' level in 2012.

Willis ranked No. 1 in PFF's inside linebacker score for the season, spearheaded by the best pass coverage score at the position (subscription required). With his speed and agility, Willis is practically an extra defensive back on passing downs.

It should be another ho-hum season for Willis with 100-plus tackles and 10-plus pass defenses.

ROLB: Aldon Smith

Remember, Smith had 19.5 with three games left in 2012. At some point late in the season, Smith reportedly suffered a torn labrum. It's hard to believe that didn't negatively impact his pursuit of Michael Strahan's sack record of 22.5.

The key to making another run at the record will be health. If he stays healthy for the whole regular season, he'll once again be near the top of the sack leaderboard.

LCB: Carlos Rogers

Nnamdi Asomugha has looked great in the preseason. According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, he's allowed just one catch and a 39.6 quarterback rating in the three exhibition games.

And who knows how Eric Wright will fit into the picture when he's eligible to return from injury six weeks into the season.

Against three-wide receiver sets, Rogers will likely defend slot receivers. Per PFF (via Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle), Rogers allowed a passer rating of over 120 at left cornerback and a rating of about 86 as a slot corner.

Rogers certainly isn't a top-tier cornerback anymore. But if the 49ers pass rush can take a big step forward, Rogers' numbers should look more like 2011 (six interceptions) than 2012 (one interception).

SS: Donte Whitner

The seven-year veteran was often a step slow in coverage. He ranked 53rd among 88 qualified safeties by PFF (subscription required).

This is a big year for Whitner. If he has a bounce-back season (say, double-digit pass defenses and four-plus turnovers forced), the 49ers would be much more likely to re-sign him. If not, they may look elsewhere after the 2013 season.

I'm guessing the 28-year-old strong safety will be let go after the season. The 49ers won't want to spend any money on him when they know they'll have to empty the bank on extensions for Aldon Smith and Kaepernick.